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506 Stern Thruster size

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Rusty Mayes, Aug 5, 2021.

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  1. Rusty Mayes

    Rusty Mayes Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2019
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    56
    Location:
    Sanfransico Bay area
    Does anyone on this forum run a Carver 506 with both bow and stern thrusters and if so are the stern and bow thrusters the same size? I am interested in installing a Side Power stern thruster and need to figure out how to size it. I have yet to find an application chart on their website.
    Thanks
  2. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Location:
    Miami, FL
    I never understood the need for stern thrusters on a twin diesel boat. Splitting the gears moves the stern much quicker, with as much precision and if needed against stronger wind. Waste of money.
  3. Rusty Mayes

    Rusty Mayes Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Sanfransico Bay area
    I have always held the same belief but with the 2 second delay on drive input and wedging into a rather tight slip, I think having both thrusters with proportional controls allowing extended operation to allow the boat to be held on the dock will be a big help. I do not have a crew that is comfortable with line handling other than tossing to a dock hand.
  4. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    8,120
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Indeed control delays can be a real pain in the butt.

    In a tight slip, once you re in the boat has nowhere to go so I m not a stern thruster will help. The key in you home slip is have the spring lines easily reachable (add hooks on the pilings if needed) and to set the springs with the eye on the boat cleats. This was pretty much anyone can grab the line and put the eye on the clear. Once that’s on, you re set... no matter what wind is you can’t back into the pier
  5. Rusty Mayes

    Rusty Mayes Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2019
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    Location:
    Sanfransico Bay area
    No need for the stern thruster now, I was able to adapt a wireless remote control system that I developed for the Cummins powered Sea Rays to work with the Volvo TMAD74s that use ECMs to control the throttle and drives. Now I can be anywhere on the deck as I maneuver the last few yards to the dock and grab a cleat from the boarding platform then use the thruster to hold the bow on the dock while I secure a bow or mid ship spring line.
    It really adds a layer of confidence operating the boat since my wife is very intimidated with line handling on the larger boat.
    upload_2021-8-10_23-0-22.jpeg
  6. Paul Duggan

    Paul Duggan New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2021
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    Location:
    Melbourne Australia
    Hi i would love one of your units ... i have a 1998 Carver 530 with Cummins engines.. will your system work with my boat..Paul
  7. Rusty Mayes

    Rusty Mayes Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Sanfransico Bay area
    Paul, It depends on how your drives are controlled. If they are electrically controlled with solenoids then my system will work. Most of the systems I build go on mid to late 2000s cummins powered 40 foot plus Sea Ray fly bridge boats. PM me to discuss the application further. I can accommodate bow and stern thruster installations.
    Rusty